How to Sketch With a Pen Tablet

A pen tablet is a digital device that connects to a computer. It comes with a touch-sensitive pad and a pen device that functions like a mouse. Pen tablets are used often by visual artists and designers because it gives them precise control over the elements of their design. Another beneficial feature of the pen tablet is that it allows the user to sketch directly into an art program instead of going through the trouble of scanning in drawn artwork. Sketching with a pen tablet takes skill but only requires a few steps.

Instructions

1. Push the power button to turn on your pen tablet. If you cannot find the power button, look at the product manual for specific location information. Open an art program on the computer, such as Paint, Sketchpad, Photoshop or Corel Draw. Any program that allows you to use digital tools, like a paintbrush or pencil, is sufficient for using the pen tablet as a sketch pad.

2. Choose a drawing tool from the toolbar menu by clicking on it with your mouse. Tools such as the paintbrush, pencil or spray can are good options. These tools may be found in different locations depending on the program, but if you are having trouble finding the tools, there is usually a "tool" option in the menu bar at the top of the program window.

3. Pick up the pen that goes with the tablet PC. Place the tip onto the pen tablet and drag it across until you see the arrow tool appear on the screen's art canvas.

4. Engage the pen as a drawing tool. Depending on the tablet and pen that you own, the process may vary. Some pens require that you press a button on the side of the pen to engage the tool. If there is more than one button, press the one that performs the right-click function as if you were drawing with a mouse. Hold down the button and press the pen on the tablet to draw. Other pen tools have a tip that presses into the body of the pen when enough pressure is applied. As the tip is pressed down into the tablet, it creates a drawing on the screen. For specifics on operating your pen tool, read the owner's manual that came with the technology.

5. Change colors or drawing tools by using the pen as a mouse and clicking on different tools in the tool bar.

Tips & Warnings

• Some digital artists recommend sketching with an art program that works in layers. This allows the artist to sketch on one layer, add color on another layer, and fill in the design with detail on another layer. Artists can add layers without destroying the information that was created on a previous layer.

References

• Popular Mechanics: How to Sketch By Computer